Name: Caramel Candied Yams Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs sweet potatoes; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¾ cup granulated sugar (add more for extra sweetness); ¼ cup buttermilk; 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ⅛ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon maple extract; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅛ teaspoon rum extract; Ground clove, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These caramel candied yams are a delicious combination of sweet potatoes and rich caramel sauce with a blend of warm spices. The buttermilk adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness, while the spices give the dish depth and complexity. The maple and rum extracts provide a subtle, aromatic richness that takes the dish to the next level. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner or enjoying them as a special treat, these yams are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

2 lbs sweet potatoes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ cup granulated sugar (add more for extra sweetness)
¼ cup buttermilk
1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon maple extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon rum extract
Ground clove, for sprinkling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, ensuring the pieces are uniform so they cook evenly.

2. Steam the Sweet Potatoes

Place the cut sweet potatoes in a steamer basket once the water begins boiling. Cover and steam for 7-10 minutes, just enough to soften them slightly. You don’t want to fully cook them at this point, as they will cook further in the oven.

3. Prepare the Baking Dish

Once the sweet potatoes are steamed, place them in an even layer in a casserole dish. Set aside (a 2-inch deep oval baking dish works well).

4. Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar and buttermilk. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, stirring until everything is well combined.

Bring the mixture to a full simmer while stirring constantly, then remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the baking soda (it will bubble up) and the maple extract, vanilla extract, and rum extract.

5. Pour and Coat the Sweet Potatoes

Pour the caramel sauce over the steamed sweet potatoes and toss to coat evenly.

6. Bake the Yams

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Toss the sweet potatoes occasionally during baking to ensure the caramel glaze coats them evenly.

7. Add the Finishing Touch

Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove from the oven and give them a final toss. Sprinkle ground clove over the top for an extra layer of warmth and aroma.

8. Serve

Serve the caramel candied yams immediately, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Extra Sweetness: If you like your candied yams on the sweeter side, you can increase the sugar amount. Just be sure to adjust the butter accordingly to maintain the proper consistency of the glaze.
Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the yams before baking for a crunchy contrast to the soft, sweet potatoes.
Citrus Twist: For a zesty twist, add a tablespoon of orange zest to the sauce mixture before baking. It complements the spices beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the yams in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Once cooled, transfer the yams and sauce to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed.

FAQs

Can I make these candied yams ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the yams up to a day ahead. Just follow the recipe until step 6, then cover and refrigerate. On the day you’re serving, simply reheat and sprinkle with ground clove before serving.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?

Yes, you can use sweet potatoes in this recipe, as they are often referred to as yams in some regions. Both sweet potatoes and true yams will work beautifully with this recipe.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the butter with vegan butter and the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk (such as almond milk) mixed with a little lemon juice to mimic buttermilk.

Can I increase the sweetness of the glaze?

Yes, if you want a sweeter glaze, feel free to add more sugar or maple syrup to taste. Just keep in mind that the caramel sauce will be sweeter with additional sugar, so be cautious when adding extra sweetness.

Conclusion

These Caramel Candied Yams are the ultimate comfort food: sweet, spiced, and coated in a rich, buttery glaze. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, these yams are sure to impress. The combination of spices and caramel makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to adjust to your preferred level of sweetness. Enjoy these delicious, tender yams as a perfect side dish that everyone will love!

Caramel Candied Yams Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Caramel Candied Yams are a comforting side dish made with tender sweet potatoes, coated in a rich buttermilk caramel glaze, and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple extract. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, these yams are a sweet and savory treat.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Steam the Sweet Potatoes: Steam the cut sweet potatoes in a steamer basket for 7-10 minutes until softened slightly. Don’t fully cook them yet.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Place the steamed sweet potatoes into an even layer in a casserole dish.
Make the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, buttermilk, and spices. Bring to a simmer and remove from heat, then stir in the extracts and baking soda.
Pour and Coat the Sweet Potatoes: Pour the caramel sauce over the sweet potatoes and toss to coat.
Bake the Yams: Cover with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, tossing occasionally, until fork-tender.
Add the Finishing Touch: Once baked, sprinkle ground clove over the top for extra warmth and aroma.
Serve: Serve the caramel candied yams immediately, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.